Where are we?
Building on the foundation of core values that we outlined
last week, our group has discussed in further detail the manner in which the
essential tenets will play out in the context of our school. We have narrowed
down several aspects of the format of our simulated class, leaning towards a
younger age group for our trial (Lower or Middle School), and a curriculum
centered on the application of our methods of instruction in the realms of math
and/or music. Our group also conferred in regards to administrative
characteristics of our school, and is currently engaged in dialogue about how
to give students a greater voice in the shaping of school values. We are still honing
the specifics of financial management (deliberating between private and charter), the
formation of a student-based judiciary committee, faculty hiring and evaluating
processes, and school rules.
Where are we going next?
As we continue the dialogue and clarify the administrative
and financial basis of our school, we will start to form committees and
procedures that function effectively within the system. We will also develop an
outline for our trial class including a lesson plan as well as demarcating broader
goals for student takeaway.
I'm curious as to how you all continue to plan to teach a class in math. Our group is in the early stages and we've gravitated towards an English-based class. I see that as an opportunity to explore our philosophy in a very flexible way. Math as I know it does not allow for a lot of wiggle room because there is always a definite answer. But I bet it would be cool to apply a philosophy of teaching to math.
ReplyDeleteI am also very curious about how you proceed with your math class. I feel like math has to be somewhat structured, and I am excited to see how you would change a traditional math class to fit within your school's model.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in how you plan to change up how music is taught. Unlike math, music is something I think is taught many different ways but I have always thought of music as more of a skill than a subject. Do you plan to teach music theory or some kind of application through an instrument? I am curious how your group's theories could apply to the teaching of a mechanical skill.
ReplyDeleteI am interested how your group narrowed the subject down to math and music because I feel like those two classes are taught completely oppositely. With math there is not much freedom of expression but music gives the students plenty of freedom to express themselves. I've also noticed that you have named your school. My group has finally named our school and it feels nice to have at least one concrete decision made!
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